Bowden's Got The Shakes

It's been a while since Jim Bowden pulled something off--he's getting nervous. (Is there some sort of methodone equivalent for GMs, cause Bowdes is lookin' allll strung out.)

"You have to score runs," Bowden said. "We have a situation right now that we're hoping that we can get production in center field and first base."

Bowden's preference, he said, would be for Chavez and Johnson to have excellent springs. They went a combined 0 for 4 Wednesday.

"If [they produce], we have it," Bowden said. "But in the meantime, my job is: If it doesn't work, where's Plan B, Plan C, Plan D? You better not go with one plan, because a GM has to be a quarterback that's prepared to audible at the line of scrimmage."

Endy Chavez is fine, but why is he lumping Nick Johnson in the mix??? He was full of this crazy talk a few months ago, but it's tempered since. NJ is the kind of player you build around, not the kind you trade to Cincinnatti for Sean Casey (and you KNOW that's what he's up to!)

Certainly a GM needs to have back-up plans, but the problem with you, Mister Bowden, is that you frequently convince yourself that your backup plans are better than your initial starting plans.

Sometimes he reminds me of a cut-rate magician -- if he guesses enough cards, eventually, he'll get one right. "You're holding the six of hearts! No? The four of spades? Not that either? Hmmm... The King of Jacks! YES! I AM a master magician!"

And yes, audibling is important to do, but Bowden ain't Peyton Manning. John Schuerholz : Jim Bowden :: Peyton Manning : Bubby Brister